Adjoin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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adjoin

[əˈdʒɔɩn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in construction

To be next to and joined with (a building, room, or piece of land). To be close or in contact with.

Synonyms

abut, border, connect, touch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjoin

Use when two areas or objects are next to each other, often in a formal or official context.

  • The two offices adjoin each other.
  • Our garden adjoins the park.
connect

Use to describe joining or linking two different things to enable them to work together or communicate, often used in technology or transportation.

  • These two devices connect via Bluetooth.
  • A bridge connects the two towns.
border

Use to describe a line or edge, especially one that separates countries, regions, or distinct areas. It can also be metaphorical.

  • Mexico borders the United States.
  • The river borders the village.
abut

Use in technical, architectural, or geographical contexts when describing direct contact between buildings, lands, or structures.

  • The new facility will abut the main building.
  • Their property abuts a national park.
touch

Use in a more physical or emotional sense when indicating light or slight contact. It can be literal or figurative.

  • The two cars touched during the accident.
  • Your kind words touched my heart.

Examples of usage

  • The new building adjoins the old one.
  • Our garden adjoins the park.
  • The two rooms adjoin each other.
Context #2 | Verb

in social context

To be in contact or communication with (someone). To be close or near to (something).

Synonyms

communicate, connect, link.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjoin

Use this word when referring to two things that are next to each other or touching, often used in formal or technical language.

  • The two properties adjoin at the rear boundary.
  • Our office adjoins the main building.
communicate

This word is generally used for the exchange of information or ideas, but when used in the context of connecting spaces, it describes the act of rooms or areas being linked together.

  • The kitchen communicates with the dining room through a set of double doors.
  • This hallway communicates with the main lobby.
connect

Use this word in a general sense when talking about joining two or more things together. It can refer to physical or abstract connections.

  • We need to connect these two cables.
  • The bridge will connect the island to the mainland.
link

This word is often used to describe a connection in a chain or a relationship between objects, people, or concepts. It can be used in both technical and informal contexts.

  • The new road will link the two cities.
  • There is a strong link between diet and health.

Examples of usage

  • Our office adjoins the headquarters.
  • They adjoin by phone every week.
Context #3 | Verb

in mathematical context

To be adjacent to (an element). To be contiguous to.

Synonyms

be adjacent to, be contiguous to, be next to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjoin

When two spaces or properties physically touch and share a common boundary, often used in a formal context.

  • The two gardens adjoin each other.
  • Our house adjoins the park.
be next to

An informal, everyday expression used to describe something that is immediately beside something else.

  • My office is next to the conference room.
  • The dog is sitting next to the baby.
be adjacent to

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe something that is next to or very near to something else.

  • The coffee shop is adjacent to the library.
  • Their house is adjacent to a beautiful river.
be contiguous to

Used in more technical or scientific contexts to describe things that are in direct contact over a continuous area.

  • The farm is contiguous to the national forest.
  • The states that are contiguous to each other share similar laws.

Examples of usage

  • The number 5 adjoins the number 6 on the number line.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In building design, adjoining rooms are often planned for functionality, making spaces more accessible.
  • Adjoined structures can significantly enhance urban density without requiring more land space.
  • Architects pay careful attention to the flow and connection of adjoining spaces to create coherent environments.

Legal Usage

  • In legal terms, adjoining properties refer to lands that are next to each other, which can have implications for zoning and building rights.
  • Adjoining clauses in contracts specify how different provisions relate to each other, ensuring clarity in agreements.
  • Understanding how properties adjoin can be crucial for boundary disputes and real estate transactions.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, adjoining figures means placing them next to each other in a way that they share a common boundary.
  • Adjoin is used in algebra to describe forming a new structure by adding elements to an existing one, like creating a new number field from rational numbers.
  • The concept of adjoining is also fundamental in topology, where spaces can be adjoined to form new topological structures.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In community planning, the idea of adjoined spaces is essential for creating parks and public areas that encourage social interaction.
  • Cultural practices often involve adjoining aspects of daily life, such as combining food traditions from different regions in a shared meal.
  • The concept of adjacency in relationships emphasizes the importance of being close and connected to others for emotional support.

Origin of 'adjoin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'adiungere', meaning 'to join to' or 'to add on'.
  • It was borrowed into Middle English as 'ajoin', which later evolved into the modern form we use today.
  • The prefix 'ad-' in Latin means 'to' or 'toward', reinforcing the idea of bringing things together.

The word 'adjoin' originated from the Latin word 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'iungere' meaning 'join'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century. Over time, 'adjoin' has evolved to represent the concept of being next to or joined with something or someone.


See also: conjoin, enjoin, join, joinable, joined, joiner, joinery, joining, rejoin, rejoinder, rejoining.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,749, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.